Dear friends and family,
It’s been a week full of amazing things for someone who has only been out
of the country once. Since I last wrote, we’ve gotten more settled in to
the schedule here at ICSA and I must say, I have no objections to “Indian
standard time.” That is, things happen when they happen!
In the morning we have breakfast followed lecture by Ms Irene Manohar or
one of the many guest speakers which the folks here have arranged for us.
Then it’s lunch at 1pm with our delightful cook Clara who has also shown us
around the city a little when she has time. In the afternoon we either have
another lecture or we go on a visit somewhere in Chennai.
The lectures are fascinating. Dr Udayakumar told us about the ancient
system of control called the caste system and the deep prejudice all over
Indian society. Ms Ida Singh told us about the despicable treatment of
women here. And Irene is always there to answer our many many questions.
The highlight of my days here are the visits. Yesterday we took a van to a
daycare center that Ms Singh runs for the children of women who live in the
slums. She also puts on workshops in sewing to empower the women to earn a
little money at home. After that we went to one of the 1200 slums in
Chennai. I fully expected a sobering feeling of intrusion into these
people’s lives. The exact opposite was true. After we made our way down the
first narrow street, at least 40 women and their children greeted us with
fragrant and colorful sandalwood paste, bindis, and flower necklaces. The
girls put on a little dance performance and Ms Singh mediated a
question-and-answer session (both ways) between us and the women there. The
kids were absolutely delightful.
Later today we’re trudging off to Kapeleshwar Temple – I’m not sure by van
or autorickshaw. I prefere the rickshaws – it’s such an exhilarating ride!
The kids here at ICSA are amazing, too. Connected to the building is a
school for disabled and disadvantaged children where they learn computer
and electronics skills. Just the other night I went looking for Stephen
when I came across Laura, surrounded by kids, all of them eager to learn
and so excited to talk to us. Thankfully I had a pen and paper on me for
drawing things out and getting their names. They wanted to know all about
my family, about whether I had a marriage arranged, and what my hobbies
are. I had trouble explaining that we weren’t “on holiday.” It’s just as
well – I have trouble explaining this program at all! I am amazed that we
can communicate with people from the other side of the planet in such a
fundamental way.
Okay. Apparently a henna artist is downstairs – I’m going to run!
Ever your loving,
Isaac H.
pseudoisaac 